Royal Palace Museum

Also known as the National Museum, the Royal Palace Museum was the home of Lao royalty from the early 20th century until 1975. An attractive combination of classic Lao and beaux arts architecture, it houses collections including state gifts and royal cars. The sacred Pha Bang golden Buddha is preserved in Wat Ho Pha Bang.

The Basics

There is a reasonable charge to enter the Royal Palace Museum, payable in cash only. The palace stands in the heart of Luang Prabang, has decent signage, and is easy to visit on foot, so there’s no need to join a tour. However, the Royal Palace Museum is an essential stop on Luang Prabang city tours, history tours, and cultural tours, so whether you’re joining a day tour or a half-day tour, you are likely to end up here.

Things to Know Before You Go

A must-visit for history buffs, architecture fans will also appreciate the charms of the Luang Prabang Royal Palace.

Dress modestly to visit, with knees and shoulders covered.

You will need to remove your shoes to enter the wat, so wear footwear that slips on and off easily.

Most of the buildings in the Royal Palace Museum are approached by steps.

How to Get There

The Royal Palace Museum stands right in the heart of town, between Mt. Phousi and the Mekong River. As such, it’s easy to access by walking (or cycling) from most central Luang Prabang accommodations. Visitors on a tight schedule may prefer the faster pace and air-conditioned comfort of a door-to-door car or minibus tour.

When to Get There

The Royal Palace Museum is open seven days a week in the morning and the afternoon, with a break for lunch in the middle of the day. Luang Prabang’s weather is at its best during the peak of the dry season, roughly November to January, which is when the grounds are most pleasant to visit.

The Last Kings of Laos

Today a Communist state known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos was ruled by kings from the 14th century to 1975, with Luang Prabang as their capital. It was Sisavang Vong who built the Royal Palace Museum; his son, Savang Vatthana, was removed from power in 1975 and died in a ‘reeducation’ camp.

Royal Palace Museum Tours and Tickets

Showing Tours and Activities

SEE THE BEST OF THE CITY AND THE PAK OU CAVES This Luang Prabang city exploration will create a lasting memory. Visit the Morning Market, famous ancient temples, the National Museum, the Whiskey village, and the important Buddhist Pak Ou Caves on the banks of the Mekong River. This Luang Prabang day tour combines the greatest highlights in just a day.

Experience Luang Prabang's cultural heritage and religious traditions on a full-day private tour of the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in monks' early-morning alms procession through the hushed streets, and visit a vibrant morning market. Explore the former royal palace and the city's holiest sites: step into gleaming temples dim sanctuaries, and circle golden stupas. Join a local family in their home to participate in Baci Lao "” "˜the calling of the soul' "” and receive good luck blessings based on ancient practices and beliefs.

Marvel over the sacred temples and UNESCO-listed wonders of Luang Prabang on this private half-day tour of Laos' spiritual center. Discover Laos' royal history at the Royal Palace Museum; visit Wat Sene, Luang Prabang's oldest temple; and admire the striking architecture of Wat Xiengthong. Then, learn more about the city's religious heritage as you peek into Wat Visoun and pose for photos by the shrine of Wat Aham.

Get a comprehensive look at Luang Prabang on a full-day sightseeing tour. A guide and driver take you to multiple temples to marvel at the charms of this central Laotian town, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. You'll learn about the ancient capital and see the sunset from Mt. Phousi, aka Sacred Mountain. Lunch and hotel transport are included.

Get off the beaten path and onto back roads with this popular bike tour through the rural countryside of Luang Prabang. You'll spend the day exploring destinations that few see, with stops at local markets and quiet villages. You'll interact with locals and learn about traditional silk weaving from professional artisans. This popular tour is the perfect way to blend active travel with cultural exchange.

Immerse yourself in the sensory delights of Luang Prabang during this 4-hour city tour exploring the city's unique architecture, museums and monuments. Wander the temple grounds of the peaceful Vat Xieng Thong and the ornate Vat Mai before climbing to the top of Mount Phousi to take in the city views. A stop at the National Museum helps add context to this UNESCO-listed town.

Explore the culture and history of Luang Prabang on this fully guided tour of the city's temples, museums, art centers and more. You'll visit the gilded halls of Wat Xiang Thong and Wat Visoun, plus check out the Royal Palace. Your friendly, local guide will share information about the dynamic culture and traditions of indigenous hill tribes and unlock hidden secrets of this incredible destination. This is the perfect tour for first-time visitors, families and anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the city and its people.

Visit this incredible UNESCO World Heritage city and see why it's one of the top destinations for travelers to Laos. Follow your friendly guide through city streets as you learn about traditional architecture, colonial influences and deeply-rooted religious traditions. This full-day tour stops at some of Luang Prabang's top attractions, including the National Museum, Wat Aham, Wat Xiang Thong and more. You'll also stop at the Night Market and check out stunning views of the iconic Mekong River on this popular tour that is not to be missed.Â

Live life like a local on this once-in-a-lifetime Luang Prabang local life full-day tour. Follow your friendly guide around the city, where you'll visit iconic temples, picturesque rivers, quiet communities and artisan villages. Gain a deeper insight and understanding into regional cultures, learn to cook traditional dishes and meet with monks at a peaceful temple. This tour is the perfect way to experience the beauty and tranquillity of Luang Prabang life with the help of a local guide.